Finding My #InnerWild {Ragnar Trail Cascades Recap}

I almost didn't go. 

As I slumped on the couch Tuesday night, worn from my second go-around with a stomach bug, I couldn't see how I would get on a plane in less than 12 hours, fly across the country and run up and down mountains. All I could think about was my disastrous race at the Indy Mini and the 10 days of GI distress that followed, the days of not running and barely eating and wondering whether I'd ever be normal again. I worried that I would be stepping onto a plane only to spend my time in the Cascades at Ragnar Trail with Team Nuun throwing up. 

But I couldn't not go either, whining to Mark as I sipped a bottle of Lemon-Lime. I had made a commitment – to Nuun, to my teammates and financially for the airfare. I had been looking forward to this trip for months, and it would offer a much needed break from the grind and the opportunity to gain some perspective about where I'm at right now. And so I told him, and myself, that I was sick from stress, lack of sleep and anxiety about the trip (aka leaving the boys for five days). Everything would be OK once I got on the plane, I said trying to assure myself. Mark nodded, and we went to bed.

Not everything was OK, though – not even close. I had a scare on my flight from Chicago to Seattle, passing out and vomiting, and I spent much of Wednesday sleeping or wandering lethargically around the Emerald City.

However, what started quite disastrously ended epically, and I am so grateful that my stubbornness prevailed and I made the trip. It was made of puppies, rainbows and unicorns. OK. It was more like dust, gummy bears and nickels but I couldn't have asked for anything more.

It would be impossible to sum up my experience adequately here so I'm not even going to try. Rather, I'm going to share my top eight moments on the trail.

Meeting the challenge. I don't run hills, like, ever. It's not because I despise them (though I do) or avoid them; it's because I don't have access to intense climbs in northeast Indiana. I knew going into this race that the climbing and elevation gain would be the most difficult part for me. And it was. My quads burned, my calves ached, my breathing labored. I had to swallow my pride and hike. And hike and hike and hike. I ran when I could and knew when to grit it out. And I did it. I made it to the top and opened up as I made my way down. 

That was in-tents. So ... the last time I slept in a tent was in 2004. My uncle and his family were camping on Kelleys Island (in Lake Erie, Ohio) and I took the ferry over from Marblehead (near Sandusky where I lived) to hang out. Well, we had too much fun at a winery and I was too drunk to get on the boat much less drive. So I stayed on the island. Since, I've joked that my idea of camping was the Holiday Inn. Well, I was wrong. Ragnar Trail is now my idea of camping. I loved, loved, loved the community aspect of it, being all huddled together in a tent and sleeping in the outdoors. I loved the fire and the s'mores and being among the trees as I sipped my coffee. 

Of course, there was a learning curve. Like I couldn't figure out how to get out of my sleeping bag in the middle of the night so I could go to the bathroom. I ended up unzipping the tent, inchworming out and then hopping out of the sleeping bag. It was quite graceful.

Team spirit. When I told people in my everyday life about my trip to the Pacific Northwest, many would ask about whether I knew anyone who would be running. And I did. I knew some of the employees from Nuun and a fellow blogger, Karen, from when I did Hood to Coast. However, most of the faces would be new. It's a bit panic-inducing, to be sure, as I can be a bit shy and awkward and then even more awkward once I get comfortable. (So much dancing ...) But here's the thing about Nuun and its ambassadors: They are all welcoming, inclusive people. Am I BFFs with everyone? No. But did I meet some of the most dedicated, inspiring, funny people on the trails? Hell yes. I left Seattle a bit sad but better off for having met and ran with them, and I know that I created legitimate friendships and connections at 4,000 feet. You just don't get that when you do a road race – or even a trail one – as an individual.

If I had a nickel ... I was hot, tired and ready to be done – and I still had a mile or so of downhill to navigate on the Yellow Loop (my first leg). To make matters worse, I could feel something bouncing around in my right shoe. I really could have left well enough alone and ran it in but the lazy bastard on my left shoulder go the best of me. So I sat down, untied my laces and shook my Hoka One Ones. But a rock did not fall into my hand like I had anticipated. Rather, it was a nickel. A MOTHER EFFING NICKEL. You know, in case I found a vintage soda machine at the top of the mountain and needed to quench my Diet Pepsi craving.

"If I'm gonna die from a bow straight up Katniss Everdeen-style, I'm going to be pissed as hell." As we made the trek from Seattle to Loup Loup Ski Bowl, where the race was held, I got an email from the Ragnar race organizers alerting runners that it was bow-hunting season. And as the area where we were running was public, folks could be out there shooting arrows. Hopefully at animals but it could be us. It was unsettling but a bit humorous as well, and it made me super glad that I left my Bullwinkle costume at home.

Speaking of costumes. You can't not go to a Ragnar or relay without catching sight of some characters and characters there were. I was particularly enamored with the latest member of Led Zeppelin, who ran in jorts, and a guy who seemed to be a Medieval Greek jester who liked to make up rhymes as he directed runners to their respective loops. 

All the Nuun. You knew I was going to do this one, right? I mean, I had to. From the tubes and tubes of Nuun at our camp to the multi-gallon containers at the tent in the village, Nuun was everywhere. And, for me, Nuun at a race is a novel thing. It was great to have my favorite way to stay hydrated wherever I turned. 

Chasing the sunrise. I started the Red Loop, the last of my three legs, just after 5 a.m. The sky was dark, the stars hidden behind clouds. My Petzl headlamp illuminated the trail ahead of me, helping me to navigate the 3+ mile climb. But as I made my way up the single track to the summit, the sky began to turn blue and the evergreen trees began to distinguish themselves from the mountains on the horizon. It was gorgeous. While I had hoped to see some amazing color, it was hard to be disappointed. 

As I made my way down the single track, the morning haze growing brighter, I turned off my head lamp and let myself open up. Open up to the speed that the downhill offered. Open up to the people around me. Open up to the world, the possibilities.

Disclosure: I ran Ragnar Trail Cascades as a part of my ambassadorship with Nuun. I paid for my own airfare to Seattle though other expenses were covered. I was not obligated to write this post in exchange for this trip.

On the Right Track {InsideTracker Intro}

I don't have a doctor.

This admission is a somewhat new revelation, one that I was somewhat surprised to make. For years, I have been reporting Dr. H as my primary care doc. I put her name on file with my OB, with the hospitals where I delivered the boys, at the pharmacy when filling prescriptions.

But when I called to make an appointment for a check-up, I was told that since it had been more than three years since my last appointment, I was no longer considered a patient and Dr. H was not accepting new patients. I could write her a note asking to consider seeing me or find someone new.

Well then ... I guess it doesn't pay to be healthy.

The news was as disappointing as it was confusing. For some time, I had wanted to check in with a doctor. I had wanted to see what my health – and blood – looked like after going through Whole30 and adopting a grain-free diet. And, let's be frank: I turned 35 this year; I'm not exactly young anymore, at least by some standards.

But the answer to my questions wasn't going to be just a call away anymore. I now had to research family doctors, see if they were accepting new paitients and then if my insurance covered my to ppick.

It seemed like such a hassle, and I was ready to put the idea to bed when I got the note. The note giving me the opportunity to try InsideTracker.

What is InsideTracker?

InsideTracker offers a personalized series of blood tests to establish a baseline, to compare your results to benchmarks, and to track your progress for key scientifically proven biomarkers for health, wellness and athletic performance. After receiving the results, InsideTracker offers personalized, actionable recommendations (nutrition, exercise, supplements, lifestyle) to improve areas that were marked after the results. Personalized dashboards and online tracking tools

How does it work?

After signing up for an account, athletes can select one of six plans. InsideTracker works with blood centers around the country (in my area, it is Quest), and participants can schedule an appointment online. After having blood drawn (a fast is required), one will receive an email with results. You log in, fill out a questionnaire and the receive recommendations for ways to improve areas that are not optimized or are at risk.

Before you get your results, you fill out a short survey – questions about your lifestyle and diet preferences, methods of improving what’s “at risk” or “not optimized” (either exercise, diet, etc) and selecting your goals (reduce stress, sleep better, build endurance, boost energy) – “at risk” biomarkers first, then “not optimized” then “optimized”.

But why?

To put it simply, and somewhat arrogantly, most physicians don't know how to deal with very active people. I am not an elite athlete, I don't run 100 miles a week, I am not winning races. However, my activity level and needs are far different than the average patient.

I learned this the hard way when I was seeing a physcial therapist for piriformis syndrome when I was pregnant. She wanted to help me get to a point where I could vacuum safely; I wanted to run. She wanted to show me how to squat to pick up something off the floor. I wanted to heal enough so that I could squat with a weighted bar on my back. Not having a physician, I now had the opportunity to find someone who would treat me – not just as a patient but as someone with certain needs. And that's what InsideTracker does. It would look at the results for ME, not the mom next door who enjoys a leisurely walk with friend a couple times a week.

Up next

I'll share my experience getting an InsideTracker test, my surprising results and what it all means for me.

Disclosure: I was offered the opportunity to try InsideTracker thanks to a partnership with Team Nuun. I will receive two Ultimate tests in exchange for posting about my experiences but I'm not being compensated in any way. All opinions are my own.

Toeing the Line

Please file the following under: What Have I Done To Myself.

At the end of last year, it was announced that the premier race in Fort Wayne, Fort4Fitness, was adding a marathon. 

The decision came after two successful years of a Triple Crown option, which allowed participants to run the fall festival's three events – a 4-miler, 10K and half-marathon – and eight years of running the streets. 

To say the running community was excited would be an understatement. Fort Wayne has not had a marathon in decades and the closest 26.2-mile race was in South Bend, a two-hour drive. 

For me, though, the announcement was bittersweet. I was already (mentally) committed to running the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and the course for the new distance was less than stellar. Participants, in a nutshell, run a small bonus loop, then the 10K course, then the half marathon course and then the 4-mile course. Read: I'd run past my in-laws' house FOUR times. I would literally have the chance to lay down in the grass and quit four times. As many times as I had selected "yes, I would run a marathon at Fort4Fitness" in the participant survey, I just couldn't wrap my head or credit card around it.

But here's the thing: Many of my friends are running the marathon, if only to support and encourage the growth of the race; two of my favorites are pacing the 4:40 group; and I have 18-20 miles on the schedule that weekend. With my running buddies all participating in F4F, I'd have to do that long run on my own.

So after talking with one of those pacers during a pre-dawn run, I found myself registering for the Fort4Fitness marathon on Oct. 1.

Yikes. Two marathons in, like, six weeks.

Now, let's be clear: This race will be a glorified training run. If I stick with the 4:40 group, the average pace will be 1:30 slower per mile than my goal for Monumental and I will earn a personal worst. I've also given myself the OK to run/walk the last loop if need be. 

The Fort4Fitness marathon is just the latest in a series of races to make my schedule in the last month.

• The Inaugural 3RRC 15K on Aug. 6. Apparently, I like to spend money to do training runs. I've never run a 15K, though, and I'd love to add another PR to the list this year. HA!

• Running Between The Vines half marathon on Aug. 13. My BRF is injured. I-N-J-U-R-ED. My life is basically ruined because she can't run with me. Forget that she has to deal with the fact that she's not able to run. Anyway, she was registered for this race in Jackson, Michigan, and offered me her spot. It's like a consolation prize. Plus, Mark and I are using the race as a chance to getaway for the weekend.

• Ragnar Trail Cascades on Sept. 16-17. 

This race deserves a moment of silence for its awesomeness.

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I'll be running with Nuun for this one, and I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity. I've never done a Ragnar-branded race much less a trail one, and it's hard to beat the experience that Nuun offers its ambassadors when they are selected. I also will get to reunite with some of my favorite hydration peeps.

What's on your schedule?

Ladies Night {+ Nuun Recipe}

Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right / Oh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night, oh what a night! /Oh yes it's ladies night and the feeling's right / Oh yes it's ladies night, oh what a night / 

I'm pretty sure Kool and the Gang was talking about a night on the town but for me, the big night was at the running store this weekend.

From fashion shows to store discounts, fashion shows to makeup demonstrations, the event is always one I look forward to. I first attended in 2010, and it was where I was encouraged to run the half marathon at Fort4Fitness – my fastest 13.1 up until this month. I met new friends, hung out with old, always growing my relationship with the running community.

But this year, the event was more to me. The coordinator gave me the chance to be a part of the night, mixing up Nuun mocktails and offering samples of my favorite hydration product.

Now, the original plan was to serve cocktails but there's these silly things called liquor laws, which are totally overbearing and ridiculously silly here in Indiana. So we switched to mocktails. And, to be honest, I think folks were just as happy.

I made a Lemon Tea goes to Long Island with {discontinued} Lemon Tea Nuun, 10-calorie ginger ale, apple cider and lemon juice; and a Tri-Berry Daquiri with Tri-Berry Nuun, 10-calorie lemon-lime soda, frozen berries and ice.

The daquiri {or slushy, really} was the run-away hit of the night. It was fruity but not overly sweet and very refreshing. The recipe, too, is versatile enough that one could swap out any fruit-flavored Nuun and a complementary frozen fruit. Not that this would ever happen but if you, say, tried a Nuun flavor and were just "meh" about it, you could easily mix it up in a "daquiri" and still reap the hydration benefits. The key is to make the Nuun double-strength so that the flavor holds up to the soda.

Tri-Berry Nuun-quiri

2 tabs Tri-Berry Nuun
16 ounces water
16 ounces diet or low-calorie lemon-lime soda
12 ounces frozen mixed berries
3 cups ice, or amount to reach desired consistency

Drop Nuun tabs in water and wait 2 minutes or until completely dissolved. Add Nuun and remaining ingredients into a blender and process until slushy consistency is reached. Transfer to a pitcher and serve.

Play It Cool {Three Things Thursday}

1. I wasn't going to open the email I got an email from the organizers Carmel Marathon, the half for which I'm training. I figured it was just a call for registrations –which I should probably do because, you know, it's required – and I didn't need a reminder. But, the word "announces" in the subject line caught my eye. The news was about a new challenge – Sprint to the Finish.

From the email:

Carmel Road Racing Group and AmeriFirst announced today a new challenge to add excitement to the 2016 Marathon and Half Marathon. The AmeriFirst Sprint to the Finish challenge will pay a cash purse to the people who record the biggest difference between their overall pace and their last ½ mile split. The top three male and female will receive $100 - 1st; $75 - 2nd; and $50 - 3rd in each the marathon and half. 

 How the AmeriFirst Sprint to the Finish works: A timing mat will be placed at the ½ mile to go location and will record every runner's pace as they sprint to the finish line. Then, timing and scoring will compare each runners ½ mile finish pace to their overall pace for the entire distance. The top 3 participants with LARGEST difference will win the money! 

Example: Bill runs the marathon in 4:34 (10:30 pace) then sprints the last ½ mile and records a 8:19/mile pace. His difference equals =2:11

OK. How cool is that?

My plan for Carmel is to run a comfortable – I repeat, comfortable – sub-2 half marathon. I don't want to blow up at 6 or puke at the finish just because my ego got better of me. So, I'd like to really stick to that 9:00-9:09 pace for the majority of the race. If my training is any indication, though, I might have a solid kick at the end. A 7-flat kick? I don't know but it will be interesting to see. And the challenge gives me renewed motivation to train to keep my shit together in the beginning and run strong at the end.

2. Nuun announced this week that it has reformulated its electrolyte tabs. The change is part of a bigger movement on Nuun's part to focus on the importance of valuing its principles of living clean and putting the very best ingredients into its products.

One of the biggest changes is the switch in sweeteners from sorbitol to plant-based monk fruit and stevia. There's also avocado oil for clean, plant-based production. As a result, the tabs now have 10 calories instead of 8. But really, what's 2 calories?

 As you may know, I'm a Nuun ambassador, and I truly believe in the product and the company. I think it's exciting to see it grow and adapt – not just because the market demands it because the company feels compelled to do it based on principle.

3. Let's hear it for 100 grand!

For the first time in longer than I'd like to admit, my seven-day step total on FitBit is over 100,000 – and by a good number, too. The 100,000 weekly steps is a benchmark for me, and I feel better about my activity levels when I hit it.

The most exciting part, though, might be that I am annihilating Mark.

I bought Mark a FitBit for Christmas because he's always wanting to try out my fitness gadgets. If I were nicer, I'd let him but he always jacks with my stats and I don't like that. Because, I am a brat. So I decided he could have his own.

While I'm being honest, I have to admit that I thought with the amount of miles I log that I would beat him on the friends board. WRONG. Seriously, so wrong. And I haven't had the best attitude about it. It's gotten better as I work through the 12 stages of grief but it is still frustrating.

Thanks to half marathon training and subbing seniors classes, though, I'm winning.

I mean taking more steps.